I’m on the train back to London after a wonderful weekend in Devon with Patrick and his family. Patrick is a young man I met in Ecuador and was also in Peru with me. He finished University this spring and is getting ready to go to Brazil in two weeks to work for GVI on the project there. Patrick’s mum, Anna, was hosting Patrick, his school flatmate, Frankie; his sister, Kathleen; and her boyfriend, Michael. Patrick’s friend Jess was also there, but left the evening I arrived. Patrick’s birthday was Friday and it was a three-day weekend, so all had come down (except Jess) from Cardiff to spend time in the country.
Anna lives in a cottage on the estate where she works as a cook. This is out in the middle of nowhere and Patrick met me at Exeter – St. David and we walked around the town a bit and then caught a bus to Okehampton where his mom picked us up and drove us the rest of the way – another 30 minutes – to her place. When we got there, the dinner Anna had prepared was ready and we enjoyed a fun meal with a lot of joking and laughter and great food.
On Monday, we were able to visit the Brentor Tor ( a rocky rise/point/outcropping) and church and take a walk through Tavistor before everyone had to pile into the car and head back to Cardiff.
Anna and I then went for a walk on the moors, ending with a visit for dinner in a local pub. Anna was so hospitable and welcoming and we had a great time together, sharing stories, healthy food ideas and recommending books we had read. I feel very fortunate to have been invited by Patrick and to have the opportunity to spend time with him, meet his family and friends, and see this beautiful part of the country.
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